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Managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) often comes with a lot of questions—especially when it comes to understanding insulin and how much you should be using. If you've ever wondered how much bolus (mealtime) insulin you should take, keep reading!
I was asked this question by listener on The Empowering Health Podcast, Denise.
QUESTION:
"How much bolus insulin do you use for food, not including basal insulin?"
This is such a great question because bolus insulin (in this case - carb bolus) can differ greatly depending on individual factors like body weight, activity level, and hormonal cycles.
I’m diving into this question and sharing my own experience with bolus insulin—while also reminding you that everyone’s insulin needs are unique.
For me, on average, my bolus insulin usage is about 9.7 units over a 7-day period.
This includes insulin for blood sugar corrections, as there isn't a separation between these two types of bolus insulin on an insulin pump.
For reference, my weight is 68kg, and I am 160cm tall. I am active, coming in at around 10K steps a day and resistance training 3x a week.
However, this number can fluctuate based on what I eat, my activity level, and even where I am in my menstrual cycle. It’s important to note that my insulin usage is just one example, and your needs may differ based on your lifestyle and body.
Important Reminder: The amount of insulin I use has no direct correlation to how much insulin you should be using. Insulin needs are highly individualized. Factors like body weight, gender, activity levels, and the phase of your menstrual cycle all play a significant role in determining how much insulin you need to manage your blood sugar.
Going High or Low After meals?
If you're struggling with figuring out how much insulin you need or if you're noticing that your blood sugars are fluctuating after meals, I can help you understand how to work out your needs.
Let's connect
My 1on1 coaching sessions are designed to help you learn the fundamentals of good blood sugar management, including learning how to dose accurately based on your needs. Together, we can work on dialling in your blood sugar levels around meals, exercise, hormonal cycles and more - to help you feel more in control and confident in your daily life with Type1.
Join the THR1VE membership for individuals with T1D and carers of
The THR1VE membership is an online video trainings and resources platform that will help you thrive with Type 1 Diabetes. You will gain access to in-depth video trainings on the fundamental steps to good blood sugar management, a Carb Counted Recipe Database with bolusing tips, and monthly LIVE group trainings to help you apply what you've learned and answer your questions - plus so much more!
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